self-esteem

[self-i-steem, self-]

noun

1. a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect.

   Antonyms: diffidence

2. an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself.

   Her self-esteem can sometimes be very annoying.

   Antonyms: diffidence

self-esteem

noun

1. respect for or a favourable opinion of oneself

2. an unduly high opinion of oneself; vanity

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-esteem¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Synonym Study

See pride.

Example Sentences

The phrase worked almost like those self-esteem cassette tapes I used to see in bookstore displays as a kid: corny, repetitive, weirdly powerful — a kind of culinary manifestation.

From Salon

In my conversations with them, the same words came up time and again – anxiety, low self-esteem, fear and, in particular, isolation.

From BBC

Studies show men’s self-esteem drops when their female partners succeed — they actually feel better about the relationship when she fails.

From Salon

Lewis says it started to damage his self-esteem and he found himself chasing validation - equating his worth with his body.

From BBC

"Over time, this can chip away at self-esteem, making people feel inadequate unless they're constantly tweaking or reshaping themselves."

From BBC

Related Words

• confidence 
• dignity 
• morale 
• self-respect